Socio-economic effects of the motorcycle and tricycle ban in Lagos

Lagos State has banned the operations of commercial motorcycles (okada) and tricycles (keke) in six local government areas in the state. The ban is expected to take effect from February 1 2020 and will affect Ikeja, Lagos Mainland, Lagos Island, Apapa, Surulere and Eti Osa.

According to Gbenga Omotosho, commissioner for Lagos State information and strategy, the ban is the first stage of the state government’s plan to sanitize its “roads and protect Lagosians from the negative effects of these illegal modes of transportation.” 

This isn’t the first time that the Lagos state government has attempted to implement such ban, every administration has at one point brandished the idea. However, it seems like Governor Sanwo-Olu has decided to take the bull by the horns, damning the backlash and consequences, especially on those it will ultimately affect. 

Reactions have trailed this development as several people have stressed the negative effects that the ban is set to come with such as unemployment and worse traffic situations.

Below are five socio-economic effects of the motorcycle and tricycle ban in Lagos

Unemployment

Unemployment remains one of the most telling socio-economic problems plaguing Nigeria and there seems to be no end in sight. The banning of motorcycles and tricycles will no doubt only raise the unemployment rates, as those who had relied on these mode of transportation as their source of livelihood will be left jobless.

Poverty

The direct consequence of the impending unemployment is poverty.The majority of the riders live in poverty and relied on the meager amounts they make from their daily trips, hence  taking away their source of income will lead to untold poverty, suffering and frustration no doubt.

Crime

What happens when unemployment rates are high and poverty becomes the order of the day? crimes like armed robbery and petty theft become predominant. There is no doubt that motorcycles and tricycles did a lot in reducing the level of crime in the state, and while no crime can be justified, those who have had their source of livelihood taken from them could see crime as their only option for survival.

Traffic congestion

Traffic congestion in Lagos is already a serious problem and there are no infrastructure in terms of transportation to tackle this issue. Motorcycles and tricycles provided effective alternative for cars and buses, and they no doubt brought some level of relief to the millions of daily road users, banning them will lead to worse traffic conditions. 

Effect on businesses

This ban is set to adversely affect ride hailing startups which have invested millions of naira in equipment and taxes. More so, staff and riders will be laid off and the businesses might eventually close down